JustKneller
Habitué
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<previous episode>
Episode Nine: Over the River and Through the Woods
The bounty hunters provided no clues about Beatrix's enemy. All that really had changed was that Beatrix's suspicions were confirmed. The party sat around their table at the Jovial Juggler and mulled over their options over mulled wine. They considered a number of possibilities, but Kivan had an idea that might kill two birds with one stone. If the enemy is baffling, they should baffle the enemy in return. They could wander the far reaches of the Sword Coast making a name for themselves wherever they went. They would bait the enemy, but the enemy would not know where to find them, which would scatter his efforts. And, if they come across any ogre bandits in the process, all the better.
Kivan's ulterior motives aside, Beatrix saw the logic in this. A moving target is harder to hit, regardless of how sparse the cover. Beatrix felt like she had heard that somewhere before. Shaking off that feeling, she agreed to the tour of the Sword Coast. In order to increase their visibility, they gave their party a name. Beatrix and the Kind Wayfayers (tip of the hat to Pillars of Eternity
).
Their first stop was an a expedited expedition to the southwest where they met a noble who could spread word of their deeds.
They made a memorable appearance at the Nashkel Carnival.
The Kind Wayfarers then rushed to the eastern plains and made an impression there.
The next trip was south to rub elbows with celebrities.
And finally they visited a peninsula on the western coast. From there, one can barely see Candlekeep on the horizon to the north. Beatrix and Imoen took a moment to take in the view and think about how far they have come in the last couple months.
It was there that Ajantis took Beatrix aside. He told her that she had been very good at following a knight of the Order, but a knight also needs to know how to lead. He would be leaving to continue his own personal quest, and it was up to Beatrix to lead the Kind Wayfarers from here, not just in name, but in practice. They then rejoined the group to share the news. Before departing, Ajantis gave Minsc the The Brawling Hands and said he must be quick on his toes, as it was up to him to watch Beatrix's back in battle.
It was a bittersweet parting for Beatrix. She relished having a kindred spirit as a companion, but she also saw the truth in his words. She would lead this party and would some day be a knight in the Order once she's proven herself. As Ajantis headed east, Beatrix led the companions south, keeping the sea in view. She hoped it would help her think and decide where to lead the Kind Wayfarers next.
This wraps up all the outdoor areas not related to the main quest, except for the zombie farm (which I'll do on the way to Ulgoth's Beard), Brage's map, and one other, the latter two I will get to later.
Also, I'm generally letting party members keep what they have equipped when they leave, but the gauntlets are too valuable to let go. Ajantis did get to keep the enchanted bastard sword, Ankheg Armor, a medium shield +1, Elves' Bane, and a few useful potions. I almost considered having him give back the girdle, but we should be fine. Beatrix has pretty low AC, she'll eventually get the Shield of the Falling Stars (+4 vs missiles), and one of the mages will have protection from missiles, just in case. On top of that, Durlag's is soon and blunt damage is far more common (dopplegangers and ghouls).
Lastly, I put a lot of thought into who to drop (Ajantis or Kivan) to make room for Safana. I could have had Kivan get sick of not finding bandits and leave, but I think Ajantis' departure is a better story beat for Beatrix's growth. Also, if Kivan had left, I'd have three frontliners and no archers. But now, I have two frontliners and one (bad ass) archer.
<next episode>
<previous episode>
Episode Nine: Over the River and Through the Woods
The bounty hunters provided no clues about Beatrix's enemy. All that really had changed was that Beatrix's suspicions were confirmed. The party sat around their table at the Jovial Juggler and mulled over their options over mulled wine. They considered a number of possibilities, but Kivan had an idea that might kill two birds with one stone. If the enemy is baffling, they should baffle the enemy in return. They could wander the far reaches of the Sword Coast making a name for themselves wherever they went. They would bait the enemy, but the enemy would not know where to find them, which would scatter his efforts. And, if they come across any ogre bandits in the process, all the better.
Kivan's ulterior motives aside, Beatrix saw the logic in this. A moving target is harder to hit, regardless of how sparse the cover. Beatrix felt like she had heard that somewhere before. Shaking off that feeling, she agreed to the tour of the Sword Coast. In order to increase their visibility, they gave their party a name. Beatrix and the Kind Wayfayers (tip of the hat to Pillars of Eternity
). Their first stop was an a expedited expedition to the southwest where they met a noble who could spread word of their deeds.
They made a memorable appearance at the Nashkel Carnival.
The Kind Wayfarers then rushed to the eastern plains and made an impression there.
The next trip was south to rub elbows with celebrities.
And finally they visited a peninsula on the western coast. From there, one can barely see Candlekeep on the horizon to the north. Beatrix and Imoen took a moment to take in the view and think about how far they have come in the last couple months.
It was there that Ajantis took Beatrix aside. He told her that she had been very good at following a knight of the Order, but a knight also needs to know how to lead. He would be leaving to continue his own personal quest, and it was up to Beatrix to lead the Kind Wayfarers from here, not just in name, but in practice. They then rejoined the group to share the news. Before departing, Ajantis gave Minsc the The Brawling Hands and said he must be quick on his toes, as it was up to him to watch Beatrix's back in battle.
It was a bittersweet parting for Beatrix. She relished having a kindred spirit as a companion, but she also saw the truth in his words. She would lead this party and would some day be a knight in the Order once she's proven herself. As Ajantis headed east, Beatrix led the companions south, keeping the sea in view. She hoped it would help her think and decide where to lead the Kind Wayfarers next.
This wraps up all the outdoor areas not related to the main quest, except for the zombie farm (which I'll do on the way to Ulgoth's Beard), Brage's map, and one other, the latter two I will get to later.
Also, I'm generally letting party members keep what they have equipped when they leave, but the gauntlets are too valuable to let go. Ajantis did get to keep the enchanted bastard sword, Ankheg Armor, a medium shield +1, Elves' Bane, and a few useful potions. I almost considered having him give back the girdle, but we should be fine. Beatrix has pretty low AC, she'll eventually get the Shield of the Falling Stars (+4 vs missiles), and one of the mages will have protection from missiles, just in case. On top of that, Durlag's is soon and blunt damage is far more common (dopplegangers and ghouls).
Lastly, I put a lot of thought into who to drop (Ajantis or Kivan) to make room for Safana. I could have had Kivan get sick of not finding bandits and leave, but I think Ajantis' departure is a better story beat for Beatrix's growth. Also, if Kivan had left, I'd have three frontliners and no archers. But now, I have two frontliners and one (bad ass) archer.
<next episode>
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